Teens
TEEN EDUCATION & CREATION HUB
Visit the TECH Lab - A space for teens to come in, hang out and use 21st century technology to create exciting projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and math.
TECH Lab Winter Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: Open Lab 3-7 pm
Saturday: Open Lab 1-5 pm
Be sure to check below to see what special programs and events we have coming up each month!
Teen Events At-a-Glance
We have a lot of things going on at the library, so here's a quick list of all of our upcoming events. Scroll down the page to find more info on the program you're interested in, or call us at 696-8538.
- TECH Lab Artist in Residence
- Featured Programs: To Pluto and Beyond; Community STEAM Night
- National Poetry Month Contest
- I Don't Know Radio
- Computer Science Thursdays
- Python Coding with Brody
- D & D: Conquering the Westmarches
- Fortnite Fridays
- Teen Book Group
- Teen Advisory Group (TAG)
Test Prep E-Books
Getting ready to take the SAT or GRE? Just need some extra help with geometry? Want to be a firefighter or police officer? Then check out the library's new collection of digital reference books for test prep and study help! All of the titles are free to access and download. All you need is a library card! See our selection, and get studying.
TECH Lab Artist in Residence
Interested in being the TECH Lab's next Artist in Residence? Have some interesting skills you want to share? Or maybe just interested in working with teens, and making some extra money for it? Contact Cody at 696-8538 or e-mail him at allenc@ci.billings.mt.us.
Featured Program
To Pluto and Beyond: The Journey of New Horizons
Wednesday, April 17th
6:30-7:30
Community Room
Come learn about the amazing spacecraft that has traveled to Pluto and now past Ultima Thule, a Kuiper Belt object. Find out what we've learned about these places in the outermost part of our solar system.
Community STEAM Night!
Wednesday, April 24th
4:30-6:30 pm
Community Room
Join us for a night of STEAM fun and exploration! Education majors and future teachers from MSU-B will be in the Community Room hosting different stations of technology and equipment from the TECH Lab for everyone to come in, use, and explore. The library is also excited to say that local organizations Wise Wonders and SCRAP will also be here, so you can learn about more STEAM opportunities here in Billings! Learn and play with robots, photography, and more. This is an event for all ages, so feel free to bring the whole family.
Upcoming Programs
National Poetry Month Poetry Contest
March 18-April 12
Billings Public Library and The Friends of BPL invite you to celebrate National Poetry Month with us by participating in a poetry contest. Not only will there be cash prizes, but the top three poets will get some time in the spotlight by reading their winning submission at our Poetry Night on Tuesday, April 30th, at 6:30 pm in the Community Room! The contest will be broken into three age groups: Children (age 0-12), Youth (age 13-19), Adults (age 20+) and three cash prizes will be awarded in each age group. Each poet may submit up to three poems for consideration. First Place in each group will receive $25.00, Second Place, $15.00 and Third Place, $10.00. We will be accepting submissions starting March 18th through April 12th, and our winners will be announced on April 23rd. First place winners from each age group will get to read their winning poem at Poetry Night. Happy writing, fellow poets! We look forward to receiving your submissions. Best of luck to you all.
I Don't Know Radio
Teen Led Radio/Podcast Production
Are you interest in audio production or talking about interesting things? The TECH Lab is looking for some teens who enjoy having fun discussions and exploring topics they may not initially know much about, all while learning some skills in argumentative thinking and audio production! At this point we are just gauging interest, but if you think working with other teens to create some substantial audio content sounds fun then we want to talk to you. You don't have to be an expert, all you need is to be intellectually curious. Call 657-8290 to sign up or just swing by the lab and talk to Cody. We hope to see you soon
Computer Science THURSDAYS
Every Thursday
3-7 pm
TECH Lab
We're switching days for our computer science focus, so starting in February come to the lab on Thursdays to work with our amazing volunteer Michael as he helps teens explore computer science! Learn how to program and control neopixels, write programs for arduinos, mess around with Lego Robots, and more. If you have any interest in coding or any computer science topic, this is for you! No sign up is required, just swing by the lab and start messing around.
Python Coding with Brody ON BREAK
Tuesdays
4 pm in the TECH Lab
***Python Coding is on a break until the second week of May***
Learn how to code in Python and make your own games and programs! Classes will be non-linear, and our mentor Brody will work with you teaching you based on your skill level. There will be class themes, but you can show up and ask Brody about any topic that interests you or you need help with. Python is also an easy to learn language, and a great way to get into programming and computer science. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get programming!
D & D: Conquering the Westmarches
Saturdays
1-4 pm
TECH Lab
Join us for epic adventures and world building mayhem as we strive to tame the wilds of the West Marches! Help build and cultivate a city, explore the wilderness, and defeat terrifying monsters as you learn the ins and outs of 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons. You don't need any previous experience with the game, and you don't have to commit to a weekly session. The West Marches campaign is designed for drop in/drop out play, so swing by the TECH Lab on Saturday and see what adventures are underway!
Fortnite Fridays
Every Friday
1-3 pm in the TECH Lab
Fortnite is now on the Nintendo Switch, so the TECH Lab is going to be hosting a couple hours of Fortnite mayhem every week. Swing by the lab to hang out and try one of the best games around!
Teen Book Group
Thursday, April 25th, 4:00-5:00 pm
Teen Study 2
Join the Library's Teen Book Group. We meet once a month on Thursday afternoons. Snacks and drinks are provided. In April, we’re reading Michael Northrop’s Trapped, a fast-paced thriller. Register and reserve your copy of the book by calling 657-8290.Teen Advisory Group
Teens who are 13 to 19 years of age can apply to be part of our Teen Advisory Group - the TAG. The TAG advises the library about programs for teens, helps promote services, and volunteers at the library.
Volunteering at the Library
Are you looking for ways to spend your free time? The TECH Lab is looking for 16-18 year old teenagers to help lead and mentor younger teens in the lab during open hours. Volunteers need to be interested in technology, willing to teach and learn alongside other teens, and be in the lab for a minimum of 4 hours per week. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience, or just give back to your community! For more information, contact Cody in the TECH Lab. Submit an online application..
Looking for a good book?
Check out these great reads.
Suggest A Title
Is there a teen title you would like to see in the Library's collection? Submit your suggestion online.
Local Teen Interviews Architect of Billings Public Library
Katelyn Bauer interviewed Will Bruder, the architect for the new Billings Public Library building,
and used the TECH Lab equipment to edit the video together. Way to go Katelyn!